Book SummaryThe Making of Prince of Persia, by Jordan Mechner

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of The Making of Prince of Persia

Creative and Technical Process of Developing Games

This section dives into the meticulous work and ingenuity that fueled the genesis of the game Prince of Persia. It explores the detailed journal entries that chronicle the author's daily struggles and triumphs in bringing the game to life, from the initial coding experiments to the intricate animations and level design.

Documenting the Development of "Prince of Persia": Challenges in Design, Programming, and Manufacturing

Mechner's development journal offers an intimate perspective on the creative and technical journey of crafting his game, Prince of Persia. It reveals details about the design choices, programming hurdles, and production challenges faced throughout the development process, highlighting the author's dedication to expanding the boundaries of what was possible on Apple's home computer.

Journal: Progress, Setbacks, and Breakthroughs in Game Animation, Graphics, Mechanics, and Level Creation

Mechner's journals capture the exhilarating highs and agonizing lows of the development process. Entries reveal his meticulous approach to each design element, painstakingly animating each movement using rotoscoped recordings of his sibling David. You'll see his excitement as animations for movement spring to life, his frustration with collision detection bugs, and his ingenious solutions to technical limitations, like the creation of Shadow Man by manipulating existing animations. The diary entries also detail the evolution of designing levels, showcasing Mechner's growing understanding of player psychology, as well as the necessity for sub-goals, rewards, and a sense of progression. Notably, the inclusion of sword fighting, initially an afterthought, becomes the defining feature.

Practical Tips

• Create a visual timeline of a current project, marking significant milestones and setbacks. Use a large poster or digital tool to map out the project's lifecycle, including the expected and unexpected events. This visual aid can serve as a motivational tool and a learning resource, helping you to see the big picture and prepare better for future projects.
• You can explore the magic of animation by creating a simple flipbook. Start with a stack of sticky notes and draw a sequence where each page varies slightly from the last. As you flip through them quickly, you'll see your drawings come to life, giving you a hands-on understanding of frame-by-frame animation.

Other Perspectives

• Rotoscoping from a single source might inadvertently introduce personal idiosyncrasies of the sibling's movements into the game, which could detract from the universality of the characters' animations.
• Frustration with collision detection bugs could be seen as an opportunity for learning and growth, leading to more robust and innovative solutions in game design.
• The ingenuity of creating Shadow Man, while impressive, may not be unique to Mechner, as other developers have also found innovative ways to repurpose existing assets...

The Making of Prince of Persia Summary Challenges in Video Game Contracts and Business

This section delves into the often-overlooked business side of game development, navigating the complex world of contracts, licensing, and royalty rates. It focuses on Mechner's evolving relationship with his publisher, Broderbund, highlighting the challenges of aligning artistic vision with a company's objectives and the impact of marketing decisions on a game's success.

Negotiating Licensing Fees and Residuals With Influential Publisher Broderbund

Mechner's journal entries candidly portray the delicate dance of negotiating contracts and royalties with influential publisher Broderbund in the burgeoning video game industry. The author recounts his initial negotiations for the game, marked by a desire for a 20% royalty rate in exchange for assuming all financial risks himself. Throughout development, Mechner faces ongoing battles regarding royalties, particularly concerning ports and sequels. He highlights the inherent tension between his desire for artistic control and fair compensation versus the company's corporate priorities, especially during their expansion and eventual public offering. The entries illustrate the complexities of balancing personal ambitions with the...

The Making of Prince of Persia Summary The Author's Journey as a Creator, Writing and Filmmaking

This section explores Mechner's personal and professional evolution as he grapples with the success of Prince of Persia while developing a burgeoning desire to explore a career in filmmaking. It probes his internal conflicts between these seemingly divergent paths and the stress of managing multiple creative outlets amidst anxiety, ambition, and burnout.

Reflecting on Creating a Popular Game and His Future Career Crossroads

The author's reflections reveal his initial excitement about his game's achievements, but also his apprehension about being pigeonholed as a game developer. He contemplates pursuing his passion for writing scripts and filmmaking, seeing that path as a necessary step toward realizing his creative dreams. Yet, the allure of game development remains, particularly as new technology and platforms emerge. Mechner finds himself questioning whether to pursue his existing success in the gaming industry or to chart a new course in the unpredictable world of cinema.

Scriptwriting and Filmmaking as a Creative Outlet and Career

Mechner explores screenwriting as an alternative creative outlet, finding solace in crafting stories and imagining them onscreen....

The Making of Prince of Persia Summary Author's Reflections on Identity, Career, Purpose, and Independent Game Development Decision

This final section delves into Mechner's search for meaning and purpose as he navigates the crossroads of his multifaceted career. It examines his desire for both financial stability and creative freedom, the challenges of team building and funding an independent venture, and the balancing act required to unite his technical expertise, storytelling prowess, and entrepreneurial spirit.

Balancing Video Game Success With Seeking Fulfillment

Mechner grapples with the weight of his early success in the video game industry, questioning whether to capitalize on the momentum of his work Prince of Persia or pursue alternative paths to fulfillment. He contemplates the potential for financial security offered by a sequel while simultaneously acknowledging the allure of breaking free from the established structures of a large publisher. The author wrestles with the internal pressure to replicate past triumphs and the necessity of staying true to his own evolving artistic ambitions.

Balancing Stability of Major Publisher vs. Creative Freedom of Independent Venture

As Mechner explores alternative paths to pursue his creative ambitions, he weighs the advantages and disadvantages...